Yankees release Jersey native Jack Cust from Triple-A roster

Yasmeen SmalleyJack Cust, a Flemington native, led the Yankees' Triple-A squad in home runs, but was released Wednesday.

NEW YORK -- Jack Cust headed a list of three players the Yankees released from their Triple-A roster Wednesday night.

In 98 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Cust hit .249 though his 81 walks boosted his on-base percentage to .400. The Flemington native's 20 homers and 66 RBI were both team highs.

Despite his production and power from the left side of the plate, the 33-year-old Cust was a longshot to be called up this season to the Yankees, who have plenty of options at designated hitter.

"I just want to get back to the big leagues," Cust said in an interview last month. "The Yankees have given me a place to showcase myself, but I follow them, I know what they need and don’t need up there."

Cust was released to make room on the Triple-A roster for outfielder Melky Mesa, who was promoted to Double-A Trenton. The 25-year-old hit .277 with 14 homers and 46 RBI in his 88 games with the Thunder.